Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has inspected a newly completed Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre at the State Secretariat, Uyo, ahead of the forthcoming state civil service recruitment exercise. The modern facility, designed to handle up to 2,000 tests daily, underscores the administration’s push for a merit-driven and technologically proficient workforce.

Accompanied by top government officials including the Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; and Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, the governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of the facility. He directed that similar centres be established across the state, particularly in upcoming youth-friendly hubs.

Governor Eno said the introduction of computer-based recruitment represents a decisive move towards fairness and efficiency in the public service. He emphasised that merit, not political connections, would determine who joins the state’s civil service. “The civil service is the engine room of governance. If we don’t get the civil service right, we will never get governance right,” he remarked.

Highlighting the global shift toward technology and artificial intelligence, the governor explained that the recruitment process must attract candidates with digital competence and confidence. “This CBT system will help eliminate godfatherism and make competence take centre stage. Applicants will need to prepare adequately; those who succeed will earn their place on merit,” he said.

Commissioner Ekpenyong described the centre as a testament to Governor Eno’s vision for a digitally empowered workforce. The facility, he explained, is equipped with high-speed internet, modern systems, and the capacity to test up to 400 candidates per batch. Elder Essien, the Head of Service, announced that the CBT recruitment exercise would commence within ten days, assuring applicants that the process would be transparent and fully within their capabilities.

Governor Eno reaffirmed that his administration is committed to building a results-oriented public service equipped to meet 21st-century governance demands. “We are creating a system where competence, not connections, defines success,” he said.